Thrifty Car Hire
Portsmouth

At Portsmouth International Airport (PSM), the Thrifty car hire desk is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. This arrangement provides a seamless experience for arriving passengers and removes the need for a shuttle bus. After collecting your luggage from baggage reclaim, you can proceed directly to the clearly signposted hire desks. Once the paperwork is complete, vehicles are typically parked in a designated lot just a short walk from the terminal exit, allowing you to be on your way quickly.

The most reliable way to ensure service for a late-night arrival is to include your flight number and arrival time on your booking. Airport car hire companies often adjust opening hours to accommodate the final scheduled flights of the day. If your flight is significantly delayed, it is good practice to call the local Thrifty office in Portsmouth directly. Having your booking reference to hand will help them quickly access your details and advise you on their operating status.

On a typical day at Portsmouth International Airport, it is sensible to budget roughly 30 to 45 minutes from the moment you collect your bags to when you drive away. This timeframe covers the walk to the in-terminal desk, the check-in and vehicle allocation process, and the final walk to the car to get settled. During peak travel times or if several flights arrive simultaneously, the process can take longer. Having your reservation details and documents ready will help keep the process as efficient as possible.

The most straightforward path out of PSM is to follow Pease Boulevard directly from the terminal area. This road provides a clear and well-signed route away from the airport complex. To reach major routes, continue on Pease Boulevard until it becomes the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16). From there you can easily join the I-95 for travel north to Maine or south towards Massachusetts. This route is designed for airport traffic and helps you avoid immediate downtown congestion.

To avoid congestion at the active arrivals and departures kerbs, the best meeting point is the short-stay car park. Your friend or family member can park there for a brief period while you head inside to the Thrifty desk to complete your hire agreement. Once you have the keys, you can drive your hire to the short-stay car park to meet them and transfer any luggage. This approach is far less stressful than trying to coordinate a quick handover in the busy passenger loading zones.

To ensure a smooth hire process in Portsmouth, international visitors should be prepared to present a valid driving licence from their country of residence. It is also standard practice to have your passport available as a primary form of identification. While requirements can vary, having these two core documents ready is essential for verification at the desk. For specific questions about documentation, it’s best to confirm directly with the hire company when you make your booking.

A good strategy is for the primary driver to go straight to the Thrifty desk as soon as their flight lands. While they handle the hire paperwork, the rest of the group can collect all luggage from baggage reclaim. Once the driver has the car, they can drive to the arrivals pickup kerb to meet the group. This division of tasks reduces waiting time and makes loading a lot of luggage much more efficient.

When returning your hire at Portsmouth International Airport, the most common mistake is relying solely on GPS and not watching for airport signage. As you approach on Pease Boulevard, look for signs indicating Rental Car Return. Some navigation apps may direct you towards the main terminal or departures, so following the official signs is crucial for finding the correct entrance. Missing the dedicated turn may require you to loop the airport road again.

For a stress-free early-morning departure, plan to arrive at the Thrifty return area about two hours before your flight is due to depart. This allows roughly 15–20 minutes to complete the vehicle return and gather your belongings. From there you will have ample time to walk into the terminal, check in any bags with the airline, and clear security. Portsmouth is an efficient airport, but this buffer protects you against unexpected delays.

Rather than stopping on the busy airport roads, a better option is to drive a minute or two to a nearby commercial area. Just off Pease Boulevard you’ll find several small shopping plazas or petrol stations with car parks. These spots provide a safe and convenient place to pull over, adjust your sat-nav, and organise your luggage without obstructing traffic. This quick stop lets you be fully prepared before joining major routes like the Spaulding Turnpike or I-95.

Before heading to the coast, it’s sensible to do a quick inspection of your hire vehicle. Walk around the car and note any existing scratches or dents on the hire agreement. Inside, adjust your mirrors, seats and steering wheel for comfort and safety. Familiarise yourself with the headlight and windscreen wiper controls, as coastal weather can change unexpectedly. Finally, check that the fuel level matches what is indicated on your paperwork.

Driving in downtown Portsmouth can be challenging at peak times due to narrow historic streets and high pedestrian volumes. On-street parking is very limited and much sought after, especially on evenings and weekends. To avoid frustration, head straight for the Hanover Street Parking Garage. This centrally located facility offers plentiful space and lets you park once and explore the town’s shops, restaurants and waterfront on foot.

If your accommodation has limited parking, finding easy overnight spots can be tricky in the immediate town centre. Some neighbourhoods just outside the historic core, such as areas south of Marcy Street or in the West End, may offer more on-street options. However, it’s essential to read all posted signs carefully, as many streets have resident-only restrictions or time limits. Your safest and most reliable option is often to use a public car park overnight.

The most popular and practical place for visitors to park for the day is the Hanover Street Parking Garage. Its central location makes it the perfect starting point for a walking tour of the town. From the garage you are only a few steps from Market Square, the Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park and the waterfront. By parking here you can comfortably spend the day exploring Portsmouth’s main attractions on foot.

The drive from Portsmouth International Airport to the Kittery outlets is very simple and direct. From the airport take Pease Boulevard to the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) south, then merge onto I-95 North. You’ll cross the Piscataqua River Bridge into Maine, and the exit for the Kittery outlets (Exit 3) is one of the first you’ll encounter. This route uses major highways exclusively, allowing you to avoid local traffic and complex junctions entirely.

On a summer weekend, especially on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, expect significant traffic delays crossing the I-95 bridge from Portsmouth into Maine. It’s sensible to add at least 30 to 45 minutes of extra travel time to your estimate to account for this congestion. Traffic is often bound for Maine’s beaches and outlets, so building this buffer into your schedule will reduce stress. Travelling earlier in the morning or later in the evening can help avoid the worst delays.

A day trip to both Kennebunkport and Ogunquit from Portsmouth is very realistic and makes for a lovely coastal excursion. For the most efficient route, drive north on I-95 to Kennebunkport first to enjoy the morning there. Afterwards, instead of returning on the highway, take the scenic Shore Road and Route 1 south to Ogunquit. This lets you enjoy the coastal views between the towns. From Ogunquit you can easily hop back on I-95 South for a quick return to Portsmouth.

For a less stressful coastal day, focus on the state parks along Route 1A south of Portsmouth. Start early and head to Wallis Sands State Beach or Odiorne Point State Park in Rye. These locations have large, dedicated car parks that are much easier to manage than limited on-street parking at other beaches. After spending the morning there, continue south on 1A for a scenic drive through Hampton before looping back to Portsmouth, enjoying the ocean views without constantly searching for a parking spot.

For a beautiful and low-stress autumn drive, consider taking Route 108 north from Dover (a short drive from Portsmouth) towards Rochester. This route offers pleasant scenery with rolling hills and classic New England farmland without the heavy traffic of major tourist arteries. Another excellent option is exploring the back roads around Exeter and Stratham, such as Route 151 or Route 33. These roads provide a more intimate and relaxed view of New Hampshire’s autumn colours.

The most direct and user-friendly route to the White Mountains is to take the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) north from Portsmouth. This dual carriageway is a primary artery that leads you directly into the heart of the region, passing through towns like Rochester and eventually becoming the main road through Conway and North Conway. The route is well signed and avoids the complex interchanges you might find elsewhere in New England, making it an ideal choice for visitors.

When driving towards the mountains in winter conditions, the most important preparation is to adjust your driving style. Reduce your speed significantly, leave ample distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Be especially cautious on bridges, overpasses and shaded back roads, as these areas can freeze first. Before you depart, it’s also a good idea to check the New England 511 system for real-time road condition reports from transport authorities.

Drivers unfamiliar with the area are most commonly challenged by the traffic circles, or rotaries, found throughout Portsmouth and the Seacoast region. The key rule is always to give way to traffic already in the rotary before you enter. Once inside, use your indicator to show where you plan to exit. The Portsmouth Traffic Circle, which connects I-95 and the Spaulding Turnpike, is particularly large and can be intimidating, so it’s best to know your exit in advance and move into the correct lane early.

The bridges connecting Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Kittery, Maine, can be notable for visitors. The Memorial Bridge and the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge are both drawbridges, meaning they occasionally open for boat traffic, causing temporary delays. The approaches to these bridges also have specific lanes for different routes, so it’s important to pay attention to overhead signs. While there are no tunnels, the layout of these bridge crossings requires more driver awareness than a standard highway overpass.

To minimise stress, the best approach is to drive part of the way and then use public transport. Take your hire down I-95 South to a suburban MBTA station like Alewife on the Red Line or Wellington on the Orange Line. These stations have large car parks and offer direct train service into the heart of Boston. This strategy allows you to avoid the challenges of navigating Boston’s narrow streets, aggressive traffic and extremely expensive parking.

A good plan is to use your Thrifty hire as a shuttle between the airport and the edge of Boston’s transport network. After collecting the car at PSM, drive south on I-95 to a commuter rail or tube station in a northern suburb such as Woburn or Malden. You can park the car there for the duration of your stay and take the train into the city. When it’s time to leave, take the train back to the station, retrieve your car and enjoy an easy drive back to PSM.

A day trip from Portsmouth to Salem is very feasible, as the drive is typically under an hour via I-95 South and Route 114. However, be prepared for significant parking challenges, especially during the autumn season around Halloween. On-street parking is scarce, so your best option is to head directly to one of the municipal car parks near the town centre. Arriving early in the day will greatly increase your chances of finding a space and allow you to explore the historic sites on foot.

When travelling with children and their kit, space is a primary concern. A compact or standard saloon may not suffice for multiple large suitcases, a buggy and beach equipment like chairs and coolboxes. To ensure a comfortable trip, consider reserving a mid-size SUV, a people carrier, or a full-size car. These vehicle classes offer significantly more boot capacity, which will make loading and unloading at your hotel and the beach much less of a hassle.

The ideal strategy is to use your hire for arrival, departure and specific excursions, but otherwise explore on foot. Once you arrive in Portsmouth, park your car at your hotel or in a central public car park like the Hanover Street Garage. The town centre is compact and walkable, perfect for exploring shops and restaurants. Use the car for targeted trips, such as a scenic drive down Route 1A to Rye or a visit to nearby New Castle, then return it to its parking spot.

For a wedding or event, planning your transport logistics in advance is key. If you’re responsible for shuttling guests, hiring a larger vehicle like a people carrier or a full-size SUV can be very helpful. Before the event, do a practice drive of the route between the hotel, the ceremony venue and the reception to familiarise yourself with the turns and parking arrangements. Communicating a clear pickup schedule and location to your group will also help ensure everyone gets where they need to be on time.

A common navigation error when heading to the Rye beaches is missing the turn for Route 1A and continuing on Route 1B. This mistake will lead you onto New Castle Island, a scenic but incorrect destination. To avoid this, pay close attention to the road signs as you leave the town centre via Marcy Street. Ensure you follow signs specifically pointing towards Route 1A, Rye and the Seacoast beaches to stay on the correct coastal highway.

To secure a good parking spot at popular Seacoast beaches like Wallis Sands or Jenness Beach on a summer weekend, aim to arrive early. Try to be there before 10:00am to get a space in the main car parks. On holiday weekends such as the Fourth of July or Labour Day, it’s wise to arrive even earlier, closer to 9:00am. The lots fill up quickly, and an early start is the best way to guarantee a stress-free beginning to your beach day.

To avoid backtracking, plan your route as a loop. A great option is to start in Portsmouth and drive south along the coast on Route 1A, visiting Rye and Hampton. From Hampton you can head inland on Route 101 West to the historic town of Exeter. After exploring Exeter, take Route 108 north through Stratham and Newmarket back towards the Portsmouth area. This creates a logical circuit that lets you experience both the coastline and the charming inland towns efficiently.

When driving in the Portsmouth area you will encounter toll roads on major routes like I-95 and the Spaulding Turnpike. Most hire vehicles are equipped with an electronic tolling transponder, which makes the process seamless. The system automatically records the tolls and the hire company manages payment. You can ask at the Thrifty desk during pickup to understand the specific tolling programme associated with your vehicle so you know what to expect.

If you miss the turn for the rental return, the most important thing is to remain calm and not make any sudden or unsafe manoeuvres. The road system at Portsmouth International Airport is designed as a one-way loop. Simply continue following the main airport road around and you will get another opportunity to see the signs and take the correct turn. Pay close attention to the overhead and roadside signs for Rental Car Return on your second approach to ensure you get it right.

In the historic town centre district of Portsmouth, GPS can sometimes struggle with the dense network of one-way streets and narrow alleys. Visitors are occasionally directed down a street that is too tight for comfortable driving or that leads to a dead end. When navigating the immediate Market Square area, it’s often better to trust the street signs over your GPS. Sticking to main thoroughfares like Congress Street, Market Street and Daniel Street will help you avoid these tricky situations.

To expedite your pickup during a busy period, preparation is key. Before you get to the airport, see if there are any online check-in options you can complete to save time at the desk. When you arrive, have your driving licence, reservation confirmation and any other required items readily accessible. Being organised and having everything in hand when it’s your turn will make the process much smoother and help you get on the road faster.

For a quick and convenient stop after leaving PSM, head to the commercial area along Woodbury Avenue. It’s located just a few minutes’ drive from the airport and is easily accessible before you join a major road. This area has several large supermarkets, pharmacies and big-box stores with generous car parks, making it easy to get in and out. It’s the perfect place to stock up on snacks, drinks and any forgotten essentials for your trip.

For one-way trips starting in Portsmouth, travellers often choose drop-off locations that cap a logical regional tour. Popular choices include Portland, Maine (PWM), for those exploring the northern New England coast, or Boston, Massachusetts (BOS), for a journey south through historic towns. Another common option is Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT), which serves as a good endpoint after exploring the state’s Lakes Region or the White Mountains. These cities offer major airports and convenient rental return facilities.

The drive to Newburyport, Massachusetts, is straightforward. For a faster trip take I-95 South to Exit 57; for a more scenic coastal drive you can take Route 1A South. Once you arrive, parking can be tight in the historic town centre. Visitors typically use the municipal car parks located near the waterfront. These lots provide central access to the shops and restaurants, allowing you to park once and explore the charming town on foot.

During peak seasons you should expect a significant increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout Portsmouth. Driving in the town centre will be slower and finding on-street parking becomes nearly impossible. The Hanover Street Parking Garage will be your most reliable option, but even it can fill up, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the day. Allow extra time for any travel, as roads leading into the town, especially at weekends, can become quite congested.